Cleaning implement, mop-head cover and cleaning system

ABSTRACT

A cleaning implement includes: a handle; and a mop-head plate with a central element which is connected in an articulated manner to the handle, and with a first pivot wing and a second pivot wing, the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing being attached in an articulated manner to the central element, the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing being pivotable between a mopping position, in which the first pivot wing bears against a first main side of the central element and the second pivot wing bears against a second main side of the central element, and a receiving position in which the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing hang down from the central element. The central element includes locking means configured to lock the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing in the mopping position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2020/084240, filed on Dec. 2, 2020, and claims benefit to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2019 135 365.3, filed on Dec. 20, 2019. The International Application was published in German on Jun. 24, 2021 as WO 2021/121995 under PCT Article 21(2).

FIELD

The invention relates to a cleaning implement, comprising a mop-head plate with a central element which is connected in an articulated manner to a handle and with a first pivot wing and a second pivot wing, wherein the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing are attached in an articulated manner to the central element, and wherein the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing can be pivoted between a mopping position, in which the first pivot wing bears against a first main side of the central element and the second pivot wing bears against a second main side of the central element, and a receiving position in which the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing hang down from the central element, wherein the central element is equipped with locking means for locking the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing in the mopping position. The invention moreover relates to a mop-head cover for use on a cleaning implement and to a cleaning system.

BACKGROUND

A cleaning implement for cleaning floors is known from EP 0 757 903 A2. This cleaning implement has a mop-head plate for receiving a mop-head cover, wherein the mop-head plate is formed by a central pivot element, on one side of which a handle holder is arranged in an articulated manner and on the opposite side of which are arranged two pivot wings which can be pivoted in opposite directions relative to each other. The pivot wings can here be pivoted freely about a common pivot axis on the central pivot element.

The pivot wings have a freely movable longitudinal side which is designed to engage in pockets on mutually opposite longitudinal edges of the mop-head cover. In this way, the mop-head cover can be received by the pivot wings, wherein, after the pivot wings have engaged in the pockets, the central pivot element is first pivoted on the mop-head cover toward the inside of one pivot wing and connected detachably thereto. The unit consisting of the pivot wing and the central pivot element is then pivoted toward the inside of the second pivot wing and connected detachably thereto. In this way, a mop-head plate is formed which receives a mop-head cover, wherein the mop-head cover is arranged on two opposite mopping surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a cleaning implement, comprising: a handle; and a mop-head plate with a central element which is connected in an articulated manner to the handle, and with a first pivot wing and a second pivot wing, the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing being attached in an articulated manner to the central element, the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing being pivotable between a mopping position, in which the first pivot wing bears against a first main side of the central element and the second pivot wing bears against a second main side of the central element, and a receiving position in which the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing hang down from the central element, wherein the central element comprises locking means configured to lock the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing in the mopping position, and wherein positive-locking elements for positively receiving a mop-head cover are arranged on the edges, spaced apart from the central element, of the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Subject matter of the present disclosure will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures. All features described and/or illustrated herein can be used alone or combined in different combinations. The features and advantages of various embodiments will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate the following:

FIG. 1 shows the cleaning system in a perspective view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a cleaning implement in such a way that particularly simple handling is enabled.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a cleaning implement with positive-locking elements for positively receiving a mop-head cover are arranged on the edges, spaced apart from the central element, of the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing. A cleaning implement of this type enables a mop-head cover to be received securely, wherein the mop-head cover is fixed securely to the mop-head plate during the cleaning process.

In the mopping position, the positive-locking elements of the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing preferably engage in the locking means of the central element. As a result, a mop-head cover fastened to the mop-head plate can be fixed positively and so that it cannot fall out in the mopping position.

The first pivot wing and the second pivot wing can hang down from the central element in the receiving position in such a way that the mop-head plate is Y-shaped in a side view. In this embodiment, the gap between the two longitudinal edges spaced apart from the central element is shortened, which enables a mop-head cover to be received particularly simply.

The positive-locking elements can be designed in the form of tongues. In this embodiment, tongues extend from the two edges spaced apart from the central element in the opposite direction to the central element. The tongues can have a rectangular design, viewed in plan view, according to a first embodiment. Furthermore, the free ends of the tongues can be rounded according to a further embodiment. The pivot wings can be threaded into the mop-head cover more simply by virtue of the rounded tongues.

The tongues are designed to engage behind congruent positive-locking elements of the mop-head cover in order to be able to fasten the mop-head cover to the two pivot wings.

The tongues can be rounded at least in some places. If the two pivot wings hang down from the central element in a Y-shape, the tongues project laterally horizontally by virtue of their curved configuration and hence facilitate insertion into a mop-head cover which can lie flat on the floor to be cleaned or in a transporting container. In particular multiple mop-head covers can also here be stacked on top of one another, oriented horizontally, in a transport container.

A first edge of the central element can be a pivot axis for the pivotable arrangement of the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing, and the locking means can be assigned to that edge of the central element which is opposite the first edge. The locking means thus engage on those edges of the pivot wings which are spaced apart from the central element and lock the pivot wings in the mopping position in such a way that the two pivot wings bear against the two main sides of the central element, wherein the mop-head cover is arranged on the two other sides of the pivot wings such that the mop-head cover is likewise arranged on both main sides of the central element of the mop-head plate.

The locking means can at least partially engage around the positive-locking elements of the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing in the mopping position. As a result, the two pivot wings are securely fixed to the central element.

Engagement means can be provided on those sides of the positive-locking elements which face away from the central element, wherein the engagement means are designed to come into engagement with the locking means in the mopping position. Secure locking of the pivot wings can be ensured as a result.

Retaining means can be assigned to the positive-locking elements. If the positive-locking elements are designed as tongues, projections, which form a hook-shaped contour, can be designed, for example, laterally from the tongues. The retaining means can prevent uncontrolled detachment of the mop-head cover from the mop-head plate, in particular when the two pivot plates are unlocked after the cleaning process is complete in order to detach the mop-head cover and, for example, place it in a laundry bag.

The locking means can be designed so that they are at least partially elastic. Depending on the attachment of the handle to the central element, it is conceivable that, for cleaning, the mop-head plate is either pulled or pushed over the floor to be cleaned. If the mop-head plate is pushed, that edge of central element which is spaced apart from the handle is situated at the front, viewed in the mopping direction. The hinge at which the pivot wings are pivotably attached is also situated on this edge. In this mopping position, the mop-head cover engages completely around this edge.

It is, however, also conceivable that the mop-head plate is pulled. Here the edge assigned to the handle is at the front, viewed in the mopping direction. This edge is not completely covered by the mop-head cover in the mopping position and instead is partially open. In order to prevent objects from being damaged by the mopping movement and bumping against the mop-head plate, it is advantageous if elements of the edge which can protrude beyond the mop-head cover are designed to be elastic. This is, for example, the case for the locking means. The locking means can be made, for example, from a thermoplastic elastomer for an elastic embodiment. It is also conceivable to produce the locking means as part of a two-component injection molding process with a dimensionally stable core and an elastic coating.

An unlocking element can be assigned to the locking means. The unlocking means enables the mop-head cover to be detached quickly and simply from the plate. In a simple embodiment, the unlocking element can be designed in the form of a tab which is opened simply by pulling on the locking means in such a way that the pivot wings can be moved away from the central element. The unlocking means are preferably also designed to be elastic and are made, for example, from a thermoplastic elastomer. A pulling movement on a tab to unlock the locking means is advantageous because to effect release the user can perform a movement which is in a direction away the mop-head cover which has become dirty during the cleaning process. Furthermore, it can be prevented that the user inadvertently touches the mop-head cover when discarding the mop-head plate. Handling the cleaning implement, in particular after the cleaning process, is consequently particularly hygienic. The unlocking means is preferably also designed to be elastic and is made, for example, from a thermoplastic elastomer.

The object of the invention is also to provide a mop-head cover which is particularly simple to handle.

The mop-head cover for achieving the object comprises a flat layer which forms a mopping surface on one surface and has on the other surface receiving elements for positive contact with positive-locking elements of a mop-head plate, wherein the receiving elements are formed by ribbon-like strips which are arranged, spaced apart and parallel to one another, at opposite edges on the receiving surface, wherein the strips are fastened in places to the layer, wherein slots for receiving the positive-locking elements of the mop-head plate are formed between the strips and the receiving surface, wherein the positive-locking elements engage behind the strips for fastening to the mop-head plate.

In the mop-head cover according to the invention, the receiving elements in the form of strips form the positive-locking elements which are congruent with the positive-locking elements of the cleaning implement. The strips are here fastened in places to the layer. In order to fasten the mop-head cover to the above described cleaning implement, the positive-locking elements of the pivot wings of the mop-head plate which hang down in a Y-shape engage in the congruent slots such that the positive-locking elements engage behind the strips for fastening to the mop-head plate. After that, the mop-head plate is pushed onto the mop-head cover by means of a vertical downward movement and then pivoted in the direction of the first pivot wing such that the latter engages in the locking means. After that, the unit consisting of the central element and the first pivot wing which is thus locked is pivoted in the direction of the second pivot wing such that the latter also finally engages in the locking means. The positive-locking elements thus engage behind the strips of the mop-head cover and project through the slots such that the mop-head cover is fastened securely on the mop-head plate and thus covers the surfaces of the two main sides of the mop-head plate so that it cannot slide around.

A cleaning system with two mopping surfaces which can be used independently of each other is consequently formed in a simple fashion. The mop-head cover is here preferably designed as a single piece. By virtue of the one-piece embodiment, the mop-head cover is placed around the mop-head plate in a U-shape during the mopping process and positively connected to it. At the same time, the two mopping surfaces are firmly connected. The fold line which thus results forms an elongated mopping contour by means of which, for example, strips of floor and small ledges can be cleaned without lifting the mop-head plate from the floor.

Alternatively, the two mopping surfaces can be configured independently of each other. In this embodiment, two mopping surfaces with different cleaning properties can be provided. For example, one mopping surface can be formed by a fleecy microfiber plush fabric in order thus to clean smooth floors with loose particles of dirt. The opposite mopping surface can contain woven-in strips with cleaning brushes in order thus to clean rough floors with firmly adhering particles of dirt.

The mop-head cover is preferably designed such that it has a flat and limp design for washing and cleaning. Mop-head covers can consequently be transported as loose individual items and have a particularly advantageous geometry so that they can be completely cleaned in washing machines in a simple fashion and with a minimal amount of detergent, mechanics, time, and water. Both sides of the mop-head cover and all the fabric fastening elements are here equally readily accessible for the washing process.

In the case of the mop-head cover according to the invention, it is particularly advantageous if there is no need for any pockets in which the pivot wings at least partially engage. The mop-head cover is fixed to the mop-head plate only by means of the strips. In this respect, the mop-head cover according to the invention has no depressions or the like in which dirt can collect and which are difficult to clean. In contrast to stitched-on pockets, the strips, together with the rear side of the mop-head cover, do not form any cavities, undercuts, or pockets and be rinsed particularly simply, in particular when washed in a washing machine. This is advantageous if the mop-head cover is to be used in hygienically sensitive areas.

The flat layer of the mop-head cover preferably has an essentially rectangular design and has two opposite narrow edges and two opposite main edges, wherein the strips are arranged parallel to the main edges. Mop-head covers where one side is in contact with a mop-head plate for cleaning purposes usually have fastening elements which are assigned to the narrow edges of the mop-head cover. However, in the case of the mop-head cover according to the invention, the fastening elements, in this case the strips, are assigned to the main edges.

The ability to produce the mop-head cover very simply is ensured by virtue of its embodiment as a flat shape with the fastening elements applied to just one side of the mop-head cover. Throughout the production process, the mop-head cover can be processed whilst lying on just one side. A greater degree of automation of the production can consequently be obtained using simple means.

A stiffening means can be assigned to the main edges. The stiffening means can consist, for example, of a fabric strip which is fastened to the mop-head cover on the side that faces away from the cleaning side. It is also conceivable that the stiffening means is designed in the form of a plastic strip made, for example, from a thermoplastic elastomer. The stiffening means improves the flat contact of the mop-head cover with the floor to be cleaned. It can furthermore be prevented that, in the case of particularly high friction, the mop-head cover is pushed partially under the mop-head plate such that the front edge of the mop-head plate is exposed.

The cleaning system according to the invention comprises a cleaning implement and a mop-head cover, wherein the positive-locking elements of the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing of the mop-head plate engage in the mopping position in the slots between the strips and the receiving surface of the mop-head cover, and wherein the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing are oriented parallel to the central element, and wherein the mop-head cover essentially covers those surfaces of the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing which face away from the central element.

If the positive-locking elements are designed as tongues, it is conceivable that the tongues engage through the slots of the strips in such a way that the strips come into contact with the edge of the pivot wings between the tongues. The mop-head cover is consequently fixed particularly securely to the mop-head plate and a particularly effective cleaning process is conceivable.

In this connection, it is particularly advantageous if the free ends of the positive-locking elements engage in the locking means in the mopping position. In this case, the strips of the mop-head cover are fixed between the base of the pivot wings and the locking means in such a way that the mop-head cover cannot independently become detached from the mop-head plate. This is advantageous when cleaning very rough floors where the high degree of friction between the floor covering and the mop-head cover causes high forces which attempt to detach the mop-head cover from the mop-head plate.

At least one further fixing means can be assigned to the mop-head plate and/or the mop-head cover. According to a first embodiment, it is conceivable here to assign to the mop-head cover and the mop-head plate magnetic elements which are interconnected once the mop-head cover has been pulled over the mop-head plate and thus secure the mop-head cover additionally to the mop-head plate. It is alternatively conceivable to provide further fixing means in the form of Velcro fastenings or other positive-locking elements, for example snap fasteners. It is also conceivable that the free main edges of the mop-head cover, which are situated opposite the U-shaped fold in the mopping position, are additionally fixed by independent fixing means in the form of Velcro fastenings, zippers, snap fasteners, or the like.

The cleaning implement 1 comprises a mop-head plate 2 with a central element 3 which is connected in an articulated manner to a handle 4. The articulated connection of the central element 3 and the handle 4 is effected by means of a universal joint 13.

The mop-head plate 2 moreover comprises a first pivot wing 5 and a second pivot wing 6, wherein the first pivot wing 5 and the second pivot wing 6 are attached to the central element 3 in an articulated manner. A pivot axis for receiving the first pivot wing 5 and the second pivot wing 6 is arranged on an edge of the central element 3 for pivotable arrangement of the pivot wings 5, 6.

The first pivot wing 5 and the second pivot wing 6 can here pivot between a mopping position and a receiving position. In the mopping position, the first pivot wing 5 bears against a first main side 7 of the central element 3, and the second pivot wing 6 against a second main side 8 of the central element 3. In the receiving position, the pivot wing 5 and the second pivot wing 6 hang down from the central element 3 in a Y-shape, viewed from the side.

The central element 3 is equipped with locking means 9 in order to lock the first pivot wing 5 and the second pivot wing 6 in the mopping position. In the present case, the locking means 9 is designed in the form of a latching bar and is assigned to that edge of the central element 3 which faces the universal joint 13. The locking means 9 extend essentially over the longitudinal extent of the edge. The locking means 9 is equipped with a spring element which automatically brings the locking means 9 into a locking position.

Positive-locking elements 11 for positively receiving a mop-head cover 12 are arranged on those edges 10 of the first pivot wing 5 and the second pivot wing 6 which are spaced apart from the central element 3. The positive-locking elements 11 are moreover designed to engage in the locking means 9 in the mopping position in order to lock the first pivot wing 5 and the second pivot wing 6 there so that they bear against both sides of the central element 3.

The positive-locking elements 11 are designed in the form of tongues 11′, wherein the tongues 11′ are bent in at least some places in such a way that, in the receiving position, the tongues protrude horizontally and transversely with respect to the central element 3 which is hanging down.

The locking means 9 engage around the positive-locking elements 11 of the first pivot wing 5 and the second pivot wing 6 in the mopping position. The locking means 9 are formed from a dimensionally stable plastic and are consequently rigid in the longitudinal direction. An unlocking element 15, which is connected to a tab which projects in the direction of the universal joint 13, is moreover assigned to the locking means 9. The tab is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer and is elastic. If the tab is pulled, the locking means 9 releases the positive-locking elements 11 such that the pivot wings 5, 6 can be transferred from the mopping position into the receiving position.

The mop-head cover 12 according to the invention comprises a flat layer 16 which forms a mopping surface on one surface 17 and has on the other surface 18 receiving elements 19 for a positive connection between positive-locking elements 11 and the mop-head plate. The flat layer 16 of the mop-head cover 12 has an essentially rectangular design and has two opposite narrow edges 24, 25 and two opposite main edges 26, 27.

The receiving elements 19 are formed by ribbon-like strips 20 which are arranged, spaced apart and parallel, at opposite edges 21, 22 on the other surface 18. In the present embodiment, the opposite edges 21, 22 correspond to the main edges 26, 27. The strips 20 are accordingly assigned to the main edges 26, 27.

The strips 20 are fastened in some places to the layer 16, wherein slots 23 for receiving the positive-locking elements 11 of the mop-head plate 2 are formed between the strips 20 and the other surface 18. In the present embodiment, the strips 20 are fastened in some places to the flat layer 16 by means of a seam. The sections of the strip 20 between the seams form the slots 23 through which the positive-locking elements 11 of the mop-head plate can engage.

A stiffening means 28 in the form of fabric strips stitched to the flat layer 16 is assigned to the main sides 26, 27. The cleaning system 30 according to the invention comprises a cleaning implement 1 and a mopping implement 12 as described above. The positive-locking elements 11 of the first pivot wing 5 and the second pivot wing 6 of the mop-head plate 2 engage in the mopping position in the slots 23 between strips 20 and the other surface 18 of the mop-head cover 12. The first pivot wing 5 and the second pivot wing 6 are here oriented parallel to the central element 3 and the mop-head cover covers those surfaces of the first pivot wing 5 and the second pivot wing 6 which face away from the central element 3.

In an alternative embodiment, a further fixing means is assigned to the mop-head plate 2, preferably to the pivot wings 5 and 6, and to the mop-head cover. Magnets, which fix the mop-head cover 12 additionally to the mop-head plate 2 in the mopping position, are preferably used here.

While subject matter of the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Any statement made herein characterizing the invention is also to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive as the invention is defined by the claims. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made, by those of ordinary skill in the art, within the scope of the following claims, which may include any combination of features from different embodiments described above.

The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article “a” or “the” in introducing an element should not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements. Likewise, the recitation of “or” should be interpreted as being inclusive, such that the recitation of “A or B” is not exclusive of “A and B,” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of “at least one of A, B and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. Moreover, the recitation of “A, B and/or C” or “at least one of A, B or C” should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements, e.g., A, 

1. A cleaning implement, comprising: a handle; and a mop-head plate with a central element which is connected in an articulated manner to the handle, and with a first pivot wing and a second pivot wing, the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing being attached in an articulated manner to the central element, the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing being pivotable between a mopping position, in which the first pivot wing bears against a first main side of the central element and the second pivot wing bears against a second main side of the central element, and a receiving position in which the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing hang down from the central element, wherein the central element comprises locking means configured to lock the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing in the mopping position, and wherein positive-locking elements for positively receiving a mop-head cover are arranged on the edges, spaced apart from the central element, of the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing.
 2. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein, in the mopping position, the positive-locking elements of the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing engage in the locking means of the central element.
 3. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the positive-locking elements comprise tongues.
 4. The cleaning implement of claim 3, wherein the tongues are bent at least in some places.
 5. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein a pivot axis for pivotable arrangement of the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing is assigned to a first edge of the central element, and wherein the locking means are assigned to that edge of the central element which is opposite the first edge.
 6. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the locking means are configured to at least partially engage around the positive-locking elements of the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing in the mopping position.
 7. The cleaning implement of claim 6, further comprising: engagement means on sides of the positive-locking elements which face away from the central element, wherein the engagement means are configured to come into engagement with the locking means in the mopping position.
 8. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein retaining means are assigned to the positive-locking elements.
 9. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein an unlocking element is assigned to the locking means.
 10. The cleaning implement of claim 9, wherein the unlocking means are at least partially elastic.
 11. A mop-head cover, comprising: a flat layer which forms a mopping surface on one surface and has on an other surface receiving elements configured to positively contact with positive-locking elements of a mop-head plate, wherein the receiving elements comprise ribbon-like strips which are arranged, spaced apart and parallel to one another, at opposite edges on the other surface, wherein the strips are fastened in places to the layer, wherein slots for receiving the positive-locking elements of the mop-head plate are formed between the strips and the other surface, and wherein the positive-locking elements are configured to engage behind the strips for fastening to the mop-head plate.
 12. The mop-head cover of claim 11, wherein the flat layer is essentially rectangular and has two opposite narrow edges and two opposite longitudinal edges, and wherein the strips are assigned to the longitudinal edges.
 13. The mop-head cover of claim 11, wherein a stiffening means is assigned to the longitudinal edges.
 14. A cleaning system, comprising: the cleaning implement of claim 1; and a mop-head cover, comprising: a flat layer which forms a mopping surface on one surface and has on an other surface receiving elements configured to positively contact with positive-locking elements of a mop-head plate, wherein the receiving elements comprise ribbon-like strips which are arranged, spaced apart and parallel to one another, at opposite edges on the other surface, wherein the strips are fastened in places to the layer, wherein slots for receiving the positive-locking elements of the mop-head plate are formed between the strips and the other surface, wherein the positive-locking elements are configured to engage behind the strips for fastening to the mop-head plate, wherein the positive-locking elements of the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing of the mop-head plate engage in the mopping position in the slots between the strips and the other surface of the mop-head cover, wherein the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing are oriented parallel to the central element, and wherein the mop-head cover essentially covers surfaces of the first pivot wing and the second pivot wing which face away from the central element.
 15. The cleaning system of claim 13, wherein the mop-head plate and the mop-head cover comprises at least one further fixing means. 